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The Turkish Airlines stopover program offers a free hotel for up to three nights or a complimentary “TourIstanbul” excursion on shorter layovers. The stopover and layover programs have several caveats, which you'll want to know about before making a reservation.
Here are all the freebies you can take advantage of during your next connection through Istanbul.
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Claim a Free Hotel Stay With the Turkish Airlines Stopover Program
Many airlines offer a free or nearly free stopover service for long-haul passengers who want to explore the airline's hub city. Qatar Airways offers a stopover package in Doha for as little as $14 per night, and Etihad gives one or two nights in Abu Dhabi for free or up to four nights with a 40% discount.
Turkish Airlines also has a stopover program, and the full, extensive terms are available here. Travelers from numerous countries can get one or two nights free at a hotel in Istanbul, while those from select countries — including Australia, Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. — get a bonus night. That means getting two (or three) free hotel nights. However, this program has many restrictions and caveats.
Note that Turkish Airlines' main hub is Istanbul Airport (IST), which is over 20 miles outside the city center. This is the only airport part of this promotion. Turkish Airlines flies out of another airport south of the city — Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) — but it's used for short-haul operations and isn't part of this promotion.
Stopover benefits for U.S. departures
How many free nights you get depends on which class you are flying. Travelers departing from the U.S. (and other select countries) get two free nights at a 4-star hotel with an economy ticket — or three free nights at a 5-star hotel with a business-class ticket. You need to be traveling from one of the following countries to qualify:
- Australia
- Canada
- Chile
- China Mainland (PVG, CAN, PEK)
- Taipei
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Departures from other countries get one free night with an economy ticket and two free nights when flying in business class.
Turkish Airlines stopover restrictions
While passengers departing from the U.S. have better benefits, they also have a longer negotiation process (though Turkish doesn't provide details on the additional steps). However, getting an eVisa for Türkiye is another step, as this is not included in the stopover package.
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage to the Turkish Airlines stopover program is the location of the free hotels. Currently, the closest hotel is over 30 miles from the airport, and ground transportation is not included in the package. Like many other countries, taxis at the Istanbul airport are not always the cheapest, so you might incur significant expenses to enjoy your “free” hotel.
But if you want to keep the stopover as close to “free” as possible, consider taking a bus or the subway (M11 line) from the airport. The subway or a taxi can take as little as 40 minutes, while traffic could drag that out to as much as two hours. Trust me.
Who is eligible for the Turkish Airlines free hotel stopover?
The Turkish Airlines stopover program is only available for round-trip flights operated entirely by Turkish Airlines. Codeshare flights are ineligible, with the exception of IndiGo Airways and Pakistan International Airlines for specific routes. Free stays are not provided for “N” and “R” class tickets. Awards tickets are eligible for the stopover program, however.
To qualify for the Turkish Airlines stopover, you must have at least 20 hours in Istanbul between flights. For round-trip flights, passengers can only use the stopover service once on either the outbound or the inbound journey, not both.
All additional costs other than the free nights at the hotel are the passenger's responsibility. This includes ground transportation to and from the hotel, taxes, fees, surcharges, visa expenses, etc.
Only flights booked at least three days (72 hours) in advance are eligible for the stopover program. The stopover program can't be combined with any TourIstanbul offers.
Related: How To Search and Book Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Award Tickets
Free Layover Hotel for 9+ Hour Connections in Istanbul
The Turkish Airlines stopover program shouldn't be confused with the layover service. Turkish Airlines business-class passengers with more than nine hours between flights in Istanbul can get a free night at a hotel. Economy passengers must have 12 hours between flights to qualify for a free night at a hotel.
Just like the stopover program, available hotels are in the city center, 25+ miles from the airport. Although it isn't mentioned on the website, this service apparently includes transportation.
Unlike the stopover program, codeshare flights are eligible for the layover service. However, if the traveler did not select the first available connecting flight, they are not eligible for the layover service.
For example, a passenger flies business class from London to Bangkok via Istanbul. Turkish Airlines has two departure flights scheduled 4 hours and 13 hours after landing. The passenger can't take advantage of the layover service by choosing the first option, as the first flight is not more than nine hours after arrival. And passengers can't intentionally select the later flight to get the layover service. If you want more time in Istanbul, choose the free stopover program instead and book your flights accordingly.
For the layover service, simply go to the Turkish Airlines hotel desk at Istanbul Airport to get your free hotel voucher. This is, of course, provided you meet the criteria.
Free TourIstanbul Excursion With a Layover of 6–24 Hours
A tour option also exists for passengers with layovers between six and 24 hours between connecting flights in Istanbul. You can't get the tour and a free hotel, though. It's one or the other. Of course, if your layover is more than six hours and less than 9 hours (or 12 hours for economy class fares), a tour is your only option.
Eligible passengers can take a tour of Istanbul with the TourIstanbul service. Each day, travelers can choose from eight tours:
- 3.5-hour sightseeing tour departing at 8 a.m.
- 6.5-hour half-day tour departing at 8:30 a.m.
- 9.5-hour full-day tour departing at 8:30 a.m.
- The new 6-hour Turkish Historical Series tour, departing at 10 a.m.
- 6-hour afternoon tour departing at noon
- 5.5-hour afternoon tour departing at 4 p.m.
- 4.5-hour Bosphorous tour departing at 6:30 p.m.
- 4.5-hour shopping tour departing at 6:30 p.m.
Tour lengths and departures are the same every day of the week, but the itineraries for the full-day and afternoon tours differ each day. All tours depart from Istanbul Airport. The tour is free and includes a meal (where applicable) and attraction entrance fees.
Visit the TourIstanbul desk to book your free tour. You must arrive at the desk at least half an hour before the tour starts. For example, arrive before 8 for the 8:30 a.m. tour. Additionally, leave at least an hour and a half after the tour to board your flight. If your connecting flight is at 5 p.m., do not choose a tour that finishes later than 3:30.
Turkish Airlines will take responsibility for any missed flights due to complications on the tour, at no expense to the passenger. However, if you need a visa to enter Türkiye, you are responsible for making arrangements for such.
Related: Layover vs Stopover: What is the Difference?
Key terms
- Passengers under 18 must have an adult with them.
- Only one tour per passenger.
- Vegetarian meals are available on applicable tours.
- Baggage storage is available at the airport for a fee.
- N and R class (free ticket) tickets are eligible for the tours.
Our Take
These are some interesting options for Turkish Airlines passengers looking to spend some time in Istanbul. The TourIstanbul offer might be the best option if you don't want extra fees (ground transportation, etc). Just keep in mind that there are limitations to who can choose each option. For all three options, passengers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What do you think of the Turkish Airlines stopover and layover services?
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